Blog Post #4

In the first video, 1st Graders Create Own Read Along Book, the students created a podcast, "Dinosaurs Before Dark". I really enjoyed hearing the students read the different scripts. Each one used incredible expression when speaking. It was apparent that they were enjoying themselves as they learned. That is the amazing part. The students become so involved in what they are doing, they totally forget about the learning side of it. I could visualize the students wanting to listen to their voices on the podcast over and over. I'm sure that they were full of pride when they could hear themselves in the final product. Hats off to their teachers for using this wonderful technology to get their students using creativity and fun in the learning process. I am amazed at the wonderful tools available to learning and teaching.

In Langwitches Listening-Comprehension-Podcasting, the main idea was to stress that this was NOT about technology. Yes, they did learn how to use and apply technology, but it was not the focus. The focus was placed on learning skills that would promote reading. They were hearing the story by using expression, modeling, and so many other skills associated with reading. They were telling the story by modeling fluency and expression. The students recorded out of order and then they placed the recordings in order. This could be used to teach sequence. When they had to edit, the students used the smartboard. I loved the fact that the students were allowed to be involved in every aspect of this podcast. Once again I am totally and utterly amazed.

In The Benefits of Podcasting in the Classroom, the video brought out several benefits of using podcast in the classroom. One benefit is that the students are able to interact with other students all around the world. How awesome is that- to be sitting in a classroom in Alabama and talking with students on the other side of the world. Another benefit is that using podcast in the classroom is a form of project-based learning. I am a firm believer that students learn so much more when they are able to experience learning than when they simply hear about it. Podcasting is a form of critical thinking which appears at the top of the Blooms . When we allow our students to use their inner creativity, we are only setting them up to succeed in life. Podcasting can be beneficial, when a student is out of class and needs to be aware of what the teacher is going over for that day. As a parent, I feel that it is very beneficial when I can see what my child is learning at school.

I commend these teachers and the actions they have taken to teach their students in a way that they will never forget. These students are being empowered to take what they have learned and apply it in the rest of their lives.